ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski detailed Carmelo Anthony wanted to sign a one-year, $2.4 million contract. “Anthony will compete for a starting spot in training camp, but ultimately could come off the bench—based on whatever Mike D’Antoni decides makes most sense for Rockets,” Wojnarowski later included, referencing the group’s head coach.

D’Antoni later addressed correspondents, saying he didn’t recognize what Carmelo Anthony’s part would be, yet included it was “discussed in the first meeting and Carmelo Anthony was open to either role.”

Carmelo Anthony has started all 1,054 games he’s played in his NBA career and has previously bristled at the idea of coming off the bench. He told The Undefeated’s Jemele Hill in July:

“I know how to play this game of basketball. I’ve been playing it for a long time. When I feel like I’m ready to take that role [coming off the bench], then I’ll take that role. Only I know when it’s best for me to take that role. I’m not going to do that in a situation where I still know my capabilities and what I can do. And at the end of the day, the people who really matter know my capabilities and what I can still do. You start getting to the media and debates, it’s going to always be kind of back-and-forth.”